The course, after a first part concerning the problem of the definition of religion in social sciences, will focus on the modern phenomenon of secularization and the post-modern resurgence of religion. It wiil be discussed the theory of secularization, its presumed crisis in contemporary sociology of religions and the ambiguity of the notion of a "post-secular" age.

1) Defining religion in social sciences.

2) The social function of religion.

3) The sociological theories of secularization.

4) The secularization: the historical and cultural origins in Europe.

5) Secularization, privatization of religion, and secular society.

6) The resurgence of religion in postmodern age and its problems.

None.

Students must demonstrate:

a) Concerning knowledge and understanding: the awareness of the role of religion in building the social bond and its transformations in modern times; to possess intellectual skills for understanding the contemporary relationship between religion and society.

b) Concerning applied knowledge and understanding: the ability to apply acquired knowledge and skills in the discussion about the main topic of the course.

c) Concerning the autonomy in making judegements: the ability to analyze and scrutinize the key-topics of the course, especially about the relationship among religion, individuals, society.

d) Concerning communication skills: the ability to communicate in a clear and coherent way the acquired knowledge as well as to discuss the topics fo the course together with others students.

e) Concerning learnign skills: the ability to evaluate the complexity of religious phenomenon, by pointing out its relevance for individual and social life and its issues as well. 

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Frontal lessons.

Attendance

Attendance at 2/3 of the lessons.

Course books

M. Riesebrodt, The Promise of Salvation. A Theory of Religion, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago 2010.

P. Berger, The Many Altars of Modernity. Toward a Paradigm for Religion in a Pluralist Age, de Gruyter, Berlin 2014.

Assessment

The assessment of the student is carried out by an oral examination, considered as the best tool for assessing the level of linguistic competence and the level of learning. The precise knowledge of the subjects of examination, the ability to establish the appropriate connections between the latter and the linguistic property of their exposure are the basic criteria for determining the grade to be given to the student.

 Attending students can elaborate a brief essay about the main topics of the course, with the aim at improving the knowledge concerning relevant issues of the course. An intermediary examination will be possible, in order to test the reached level of knowledge.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Individual study.

Attendance

Full study of the suggested texts.

Course books

M. Riesebrodt, The Promise of Salvation. A Theory of Religion, The University of Chicago Press, Chicago 2010.

P. Berger, The Many Altars of Modernity. Toward a Paradigm for Religion in a Pluralist Age, de Gruyter, Berlin 2014.

Assessment

The assessment of the student is carried out by an oral examination, considered as the best tool for assessing the level of linguistic competence and the level of learning. The precise knowledge of the subjects of examination, the ability to establish the appropriate connections between the latter and the linguistic property of their exposure are the basic criteria for determining the grade to be given to the student.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.